Hayes suffered a fractured orbital bone during his three-round split decision win over Neil Grove at Bellator 52 on Oct. 1 and was placed on 60-days medical suspension by the Louisiana State Athletic Commission.

Santos was originally scheduled to take part in the season five heavyweight tournament but ran into visa issues in his native Brazil and was unable to compete in the quarterfinals. Now with those visa issues taken care of he is clear to take Hayes’ spot.